
The Bomb Kennedy and Khrushchev: 5. The crisis: Day one
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Dec 29, 2025 Ted Widmer, a historian and former White House speechwriter, dives deep into the Cuban Missile Crisis alongside hosts Nina Khrushcheva and Max Kennedy. They discuss the U.S. intelligence failures that missed the critical Soviet shipments, and the pressure on JFK from hawkish military leaders advocating for immediate action. The conversation highlights Kennedy's cautious approach, balancing escalating tensions while navigating his advisors' differing opinions. Personal insights into the leaders’ correspondence reveal the fragility of trust between superpowers during this pivotal moment in history.
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Missiles Were Already In Cuba
- The Soviets secretly shipped R-12 medium-range missiles to Cuba and unloaded them days before Americans realized.
- Khrushchev believed the missiles were defensive, though they could reach major US cities.
CIA Misread Soviet Intentions
- The CIA repeatedly underestimated Soviet intentions and issued a national estimate saying no offensive missiles would be sent.
- Intelligence failures stemmed from information gaps and assumptions about Soviet risk calculus.
Berlin Framed Cold War Decisions
- Berlin tensions shaped US and Soviet thinking and framed expectations about Khrushchev's moves.
- Policymakers looked to Berlin as the likely origin of Soviet strategy rather than Cuba's standalone significance.








